Connection - Make an Active Effort

[Shelly Lang]

S - Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider one another in order to
stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves
together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so
much the more as you see the Day approaching."

O - The author of this book directed us to sincerely think about those
around us, especially in our church body. And we are not just to
"'think", but PUT INTO ACTION anything we can "think of" that can help
them feel accepted, loved, and/or appreciated. We are to be committed
to meeting together on a frequent and on-going basis. And most
importantly, we are to inspire and encourage each other in God's truth
and to remain faithful to God.

A - Going to church every Sunday is important, but after some time can
seem to become routine and uneventful. It is very important to remain
consistent in attendance, and even more important to serve in order to
keep oneself committed. The most important reason for attending on a
regular basis is for the sake of connecting with each other - even if
it's just for a "Hi - It's so good to see you. How was work this
week?" At least you are connecting and letting someone know you
care. Connection groups such as Bible Study's, SOAP groups, classes,
or homegroups are the best way to get connected. It is through these
type of groups that you can learn more about others, meet people you
have connection points with, and hopefully even meet people you can
become accountability partners with. It is super important to find a
couple of people you can trust in order to share hard times with,
exciting times with, and to pray with and to encourage each other. It
is these people who will hold you accountable to decisions you make in
life as well as encourage you in your walk with Christ. If you fall
out of routine with church, if you have found true friends, they will
call you back into fellowship with them and the rest of the church.
I believe people fall away from the church when they don't make an
active effort to get connected with others. If you are NOT connected,
people won't notice when you are gone.

P - Dear Lord, thank you for our church family and the wonderful
growth You have blessed us with. I pray for those who are new to our
family, as well as for those who call this "home" but are not
connected. I pray for Your Holy Spirit to stir up in their heart the
desire to get connected. I pray they would GIVE of their time to
serve where they can be used on Sundays or Wednesdays. I pray they
will TAKE time for themselves to join small groups where they can
develop healthy and meaningful friendships. And I also pray for
everyone in our church; that we would all think of the others we are
around and that we would take an ACTIVE approach to encourage them,
show them appreciation and let them know they are loved.
I also pray for our pastors and leaders during this fall season
and this season of growth. Protect them, encourage them and give them
the strength and perseverance to lead others through this exciting
time with you!
In Jesus' mighty Name I pray, Amen.

[D.Lang]

Good word Shell. :) This is exactly what I plan to address in the
sermon on Sunday.

Thanks for posting.
Dan